THE SOUTHWEST
The 1957 recession has not hurt Southwest football one bit, and the area, as usual, will field some of the richest teams in the nation—one or two of them rather nouveau.
In the Southwest Conference, where stocks on all teams remain at a peak until after the first game, Texas Christian holds a slight edge.
TCU Coach Abe Martin, who seldom has a bad team, says the 1958 Horned Frogs will be one of the biggest and fastest squads he has ever coached. Martin's biggest trouble spot is at quarterback. Hunter Enis is back for his senior year after having been a disappointment the two previous seasons. But in spring training he completed 80% of his passes and now appears ready to burst into the full bloom of his potential. Fullback Jack Spikes, a punishing runner of the Kyle Rote variety, is one of the main reasons TCU is rated the best bet to win the conference championship.
Southern Methodist and Texas, too, must not be counted lightly. SMU returned to respectability last year in Bill Meek's first season as head coach and probably has more good football players than any other school in the conference. Big question here is defense. Five teams scored 19 or more points on SMU last year.
Darrell Royal, who brought Texas from a 1-9 season to 6-3-1 and a Sugar Bowl berth, performed one of the outstanding coaching jobs in the country last year. The Longhorns were awkwardly effective from the split-T in 1957. This year Royal feels his backfield will move the ball better because of improved speed. Main reason the Longhorns are picked high is the defense, which allowed only 49 points in the last six regular games.
After the first three teams, there is quite a drop-off in the conference. Rice, Arkansas and Texas A&M are fairly evenly matched and Baylor brings up the rear.
Jess Neely, in his 19th year at Rice, again will use the Chicago Bear T. His losses were rather small, but they were key ones, and chances are slim that he can repeat as conference champ.
Frank Broyles, one of the most imaginative young coaches in football, will start his new assignment at Arkansas by installing the wing T. The Razorbacks should have the swiftest backfield in the conference, but a brutal early schedule—four conference games in the first five weeks of the season—works to the disadvantage of a new head coach.
Texas A&M, too, has a new coach, and Jim Meyers is bringing the single wing back to the Southwest for the first time since Bowden Wyatt departed from Arkansas after the 1954 season. The Aggies have just four outstanding football players from the Bear Bryant regime—Fullback Dick Gay, Tackle Ken Beck, Quarterback Charley Milstead and End John Tracey—so Meyers undoubtedly will find himself on the thin side. The sophomores must come through, especially in the backfield, if the Aggies are to have any kind of year.
Baylor, picked one-two last year, failed to win a conference game. Overall team speed should improve this season, but a lack of depth, lack of experience and lack of a coaching staff seem to portend a difficult season in 1958.
Houston, one of the new giants of the Southwest, should win the Missouri Valley Championship for the third straight year, although competition is expected to be stronger than in the past two seasons. Coach Hal Lahar will again run from the split-T.
Coach Odus Mitchell begins his 13th season at North Texas State with a coaching record surpassed only by Jess Neely in Texas. Following what seems to be a trend in college football, Mitchell will run his team out of the pro-type Chicago Bear T, with the belly series and considerable flankers and split ends. A man to bear watching on this team is Halfback Abner Haynes, first Negro to play for North Texas, who last year, though playing on the second unit and seeing action just half the time, led the Missouri Valley Conference in rushing. He is the school's finest back since Ray Renfro of the Cleveland Browns.
In the Border Conference, Arizona State appears to be a shoo-in champion again. The Sun Devils of Tempe and their exciting little ball-carrying wonder, Leon Burton, are ready to rise from comparative obscurity to a front-row seat among the national grid powers. The three Texas members of the Border Conference—Hardin-Simmons, Texas Western and West Texas—figure to battle it out for runner-up honors. If Hardin-Simmons can do anything satisfactory about replacing Ken Ford, the nation's No. 1 passer in 1957, the Cowboys appear to have the edge on the other two, for Coach Sammy Baugh has a fine crop of sophomores to supplement 18 returning lettermen. Arizona and New Mexico A&M should again battle it out for the cellar.
Texas Tech, the ex officio member of the Southwest Conference (it cannot compete for the football title until 1960), is still building for its big-time debut two years hence and probably will not improve much on the 2-8 record compiled in 1957.
ARIZONA
Tucson, Ariz.
COLORS: Red and blue
BASIC OFFENSE: Slot T
1957 RECORD: Won 1, lost 8, tied 1
LETTERMEN RETURNING: 15 of 28
WATCH FOR: A wide-open passing game directed by Ralph Hunsaker
THE DOPE: The Wildcats will be throwing everything in an effort to escape the Border Conference cellar. "We will have a better team than we had last year, but we are still lacking the necessary speed," says Coach Ed Doherty. "Consequently, we will rely heavily on our passing. The outlook for Arizona can be summed up as a rebuilding year—rather than one to set the world on fire." The Wildcats tackle the toughest schedule of their history with 15 lettermen holdovers from the once-victorious '57 squad. Key returnee is Ralph Hunsaker, director of Doherty's pro-type offense. Hunsaker and Jim Mason last year completed 131 of 238 passes between them, good for 1,345 yards and five touchdowns. Halfback Bill Overall, the Cats' leading ground-gainer, and Warren Livingston also return, along with starting Fullback Bill Keasler. Best on the line, which Doherty must completely rebuild, is Tackle Jim Jordan. Much of Arizona's success depends upon sophomores, outstanding of which are Halfback Delbert Hodge and Tackle Tony Matz.
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1958 SCHEDULES | (1957 scores): |
SEPT. 20 | Utah State, N (no game) |
SEPT. 27 | Iowa Slate, N (no game) |
OCT. 4 | at Tulsa, N (no game) |
OCT. 11 | Colorado, N (14-34) |
OCT. 18 | at New Mexico (0-27) |
OCT. 25 | Idaho, N (no game) |
NOV. 1 | West Texas State (20-21) |
NOV. 8 | at Texas Tech (6-28) |
NOV. 15 | at Texas Western, N (14-51) |
NOV. 22 | Arizona State (7-47) |
ARIZONA STATE
Tempe, Ariz.
COLORS: Maroon and gold
BASIC OFFENSE: Multiple
1957 RECORD: Won 10, lost none
LETTERMEN RETURNING: 24 of 30
WATCH FOR: Sprinter Leon Burton and Passer John Hangartner
THE DOPE: The Sun Devils, who play eight of their 10 games by moonlight, appear to have too much strength for the rest of the Border Conference. Line Coach Frank Kush, succeeding Missouri-bound Dan Devine, loses only three starters from the squad which ranked with Auburn as one of the two unbeaten, untied majors of '57. Hardest to replace is Halfback Bobby Mulgado, the country's second-best scorer (93 points) behind Teammate Leon Burton. With 250-lb. Guard Ken Kerr as the behemoth in a first-rate line, Kush is three deep at every position but left tackle and right end. The Sun Devils' debut in their new stadium with Burton at right half and John Hangartner at quarterback. Burton won both the national scoring and rushing championships in '57 with 16 touchdowns for 96 points and 1,126 yards rushing. His 9.62-yard rushing average was also a new mark. Hangartner completed 61% of his passes for 1,203 yards and 14 touchdowns. Ball Hawk Bill Spanko also is back, with star Guard Al Carr. Arizona State should be in the national spotlight.
SEPT. 20 | Hawaii, N (no game) |
SEPT. 27 | at College of Pacific, N (41-0) |
OCT. 4 | West Texas Slate, N (no game) |
OCT. 11 | Hardin-Simmons, N (35-26) |
OCT. 18 | San Jose Stale, N (44-6) |
OCT. 25 | at Detroit (no game) |
NOV. 1 | New Mexico A&M, N (21-0) |
NOV. 8 | Texas Western, N (43-7) |
NOV. 22 | at Arizona (47-7) |
NOV. 29 | Marquette, N (no game) |
ARKANSAS
Fayetteville, Ark.
COLORS: Cardinal and white
BASIC OFFENSE: Multiple T
1957 RECORD: Won 6, lost 4
LETTERMEN RETURNING: 13 of 25
WATCH FOR: Fast and powerful Donnie Stone at fullback
THE DOPE: The Razorbacks have lost their entire starting line plus first- and second-string quarterbacks and fullbacks. With a new coach also introducing a tricky new system, it may take most of the season for Arkansas to jell. Ex-Missouri Coach Frank Broyles—one of the most brilliant young football strategists in the nation—will use the multiple offense to spring loose a fleet of fast backs and open the defense with a fair passing game. James Monroe, a crafty junior, could be a real sleeper at quarterback, while ex-Halfback Donnie Stone might give Arkansas its fifth straight all-Southwest fullback. Breakaway Runner Billy Kyser, whose two touchdowns spoiled a perfect record for Mississippi, returns to halfback with Don Horton. The Razor-backs are fast up front, too, but very thin at all spots. Barry Switzer is an outstanding replacement for Jay Donathan at center. Billy Michael has been shifted from guard to tackle and John Boles from tackle to guard. Billy Tranum, an excellent pass receiver, heads the ends. The Porkers are good enough but not for the title.
1958 SCHEDULES | (1957 scores): |
SEPT. 20 | Baylor at Little Rock, N (20-17) |
SEPT. 27 | Tulsa (41-14) |
OCT. 4 | at Texas Christian, N (20-7) |
OCT. 11 | Rice (7-13) |
OCT. 18 | at Texas, N (0-17) |
OCT. 25 | Mississippi at Little Rock (12-6) |
NOV. 1 | at Texas A&M, N (6-7) |
NOV. 8 | Hardin-Simmons at Little Rock (no game) |
NOV. 15 | SMU (22-27) |
NOV. 22 | at Texas Tech (47-26) |
BAYLOR
Waco, Texas
COLORS: Green and gold
BASIC OFFENSE: Multiple T
1957 RECORD: Won 3, lost 6, tied 1
LETTERMEN RETURNING: 12 of 34
WATCH FOR: The line blasting of Fullback Larry Hickman
THE DOPE: The Bears lose 22 lettermen and all but two of their starters and are picked by the Southwest to finish last again. But Coach Sam Boyd still has alltime Baylor Rusher Larry Hickman and is hoping to build an offense around him that could mean anything from third to fifth place. Hickman, a 6-foot-2, 212-pounder, is regarded by many as the most powerful runner in the Southwest. Halfback Farrell Fisher is the only other starter back from a '57 squad which could not pull off a single conference victory. He'll work opposite Billy Pavliska, who played in '56 but was scholastically ineligible last year. The return of Pavliska and the help of sophomores like Elbert Whorton will give the Bears a little more speed and take some of the burden off Hickman. Replacing graduated Doyle Traylor at quarterback will be Buddy Humphrey, Traylor's 1957 understudy. His running is good, passing only fair. Big men of Boyd's one fairly good line are Guard Charley Horton and Tackles Paul Dickson and Billy Joe Kelley. The Bears are rebuilding.
SEPT. 20 | Arkansas at Little Rock, N (17-20) |
SEPT. 27 | Hardin-Simmons, N (no game) |
OCT. 4 | Miami, N (7-13) |
OCT. 11 | at Duke (no game) |
OCT. 18 | at Texas Tech (15-12) |
OCT. 25 | Texas A&M, N (0-14) |
NOV. 1 | at Texas Christian (6-19) |
NOV. 8 | Texas (7-7) |
NOV. 22 | at SMU (7-14) |
NOV. 29 | Rice (0-20) |
HARDIN-SIMMONS
Abilene, Texas
COLORS: Purple and gold
BASIC OFFENSE: Slot T
1957 RECORD: Won 5, lost 5
LETTERMEN RETURNING: 21 of 32
WATCH FOR: Another razzle-dazzle passing attack a la Baugh
THE DOPE: The Cowboys have lost the best arm in the country and must develop another passer in order to match points with some of the toughies they meet. Coach Sammy Baugh, the old Washington Redskin slinger, will miss the nation's No. 1 passer, Quarterback Ken Ford, and must turn to his No. 2 man, Johnny Jones. The latter attempted only 30 passes last year but completed 17 of them for 217 yards. Jones is also a good field general and needs to be with the pro offense—split ends, flankers, etc.—Baugh has whipped up. Hal Stephens may be relief man for Jones. Tearing up the middle after Cowboy passing opens up the defense will be Fullback Pete Hart, a small but powerful runner whose 669 yards made him the team's leading ground-gainer. Dewey Bohling provides more power, and Earl Brown adds speed in the backfield. The line will be strong between tackles and will feature Center Carroll Dickson, Guard Joe Biggs and Tackles Ted Edmondson and Burley Polk. The nocturnal nomads will be tough if their passing develops.
SEPT. 20 | at Tulsa, N (14-0) |
SEPT. 27 | at Baylor, N (no game) |
OCT. 4 | at LSU, N (no game) |
OCT. 11 | at Arizona State, N (26-35) |
OCT. 18 | at Mississippi (7-34) |
OCT. 25 | Wichita, N (27-14) |
NOV. 1 | at Texas Western, N (33-20) |
NOV. 8 | Arkansas at Little Rock (no game) |
NOV. 15 | West Texas Stale, N (13-39) |
NOV. 28 | New Mexico A&M, N (29-20) |
HOUSTON
Houston
COLORS: Scarlet and white
BASIC OFFENSE: Split-T
1957 RECORD: Won 5, lost 4, tied 1
LETTERMEN RETURNING: 18 of 27
WATCH FOR: Broken-field running of Claude King
THE DOPE: The Cougars have an army of fleet halfbacks operating behind a massive but mobile 208-pound line and are logical favorites to rack up their third straight Missouri Valley Conference championship. Best of Coach Hal Lahar's backs is Don Brown, top ground-gainer in '57; Claude King, a good pass receiver and former Mississippi state champion sprinter, and speedy Harold Lewis, a Texas all-state star. Oklahoma transfer student Lonnie Holland, a clever signal caller and runner, will direct the attack. Jim Kuehne, Hilmer Potcinske and Tom Cowan will alternate at fullback. Don McDonald, a better passer, will alternate with Holland if he doesn't become an academic casualty. The passing game should be potent either way since Lahar makes liberal use of the halfback run-pass option, requiring only "junktype" throwers. Lahar has few depth problems for his line is at least two deep from tackle to tackle. Burr Davis, an all-MVC guard last year, is operating at center, and Hogan Wharton, another all-MVCer, returns to tackle.
SEPT. 27 | Texas A&M, N (6-28) |
OCT. 4 | at Cincinnati, N (7-0) |
OCT. 11 | Wichita, N (27-6) |
OCT. 18 | Oklahoma Stale, N (6-6) |
NOV. 1 | Tulsa, N (13-7) |
NOV. 8 | at Mississippi (7-20) |
NOV. 15 | at North Texas Stale, N (no game) |
NOV. 21 | at Miami, N (7-0) |
NOV. 29 | Texas Tech (no game) |
NEW MEXICO
Albuquerque
COLORS: Cherry and silver
BASIC OFFENSE: Split-T
1957 RECORD: Won 4, lost 6
LETTERMEN RETURNING: 19 of 32
WATCH FOR: Inside and outside running of Don Perkins and Tony Gray
THE DOPE: The Lobos will definitely be stronger this year, but a sharp drop in quality after the first team may cost them a title chance. They fell apart after a blazing start last year for want of depth, and injuries could wreck them again. Marvin Levy, who moved up as head coach when Dick Clausen became athletic director of Arizona, inherits practically intact the best rushing team in the Skyline Conference. The legacy includes Don Perkins, who won the league ground-gaining championship with 744 yards in 112 carries. Capable Chuck Roberts will run the split-T, and Tony Gray will be the team's fastest ball carrier at the other halfback slot. Bobby Starr or Ron Beaird will be at fullback. The passing will be improved, and the pass defense which was the best in the league in '57 should be just as tight. The Lobos have great defensive ends in Buster Quist and Dick Coughlan, but perhaps their best linemen are Tackle Mason Rose and Guard John Garber. Quarterback George Friberg and Halfback Chuck Benedetti are good sophomore reserves.
SEPT. 20 | at New Mexico A&M, N (25-7) |
SEPT. 27 | at Texas Western, N (13-15) |
OCT. 4 | Montana, N (6-21) |
OCT. 11 | Utah State, N (14-10) |
OCT. 18 | Arizona (27-0) |
OCT. 25 | at Wyoming (13-20) |
OCT. 31 | at Denver, N (0-19) |
NOV. 8 | at Brigham Young (12-14) |
NOV. 15 | Colorado Slate (30-7) |
NOV. 22 | Air Force Academy (0-31) |
NEW MEXICO A&M
State College, N. Mex.
COLORS: Maroon and white
BASIC OFFENSE: Wing T
1957 RECORD: Won 3, lost 7
LETTERMEN RETURNING: 16 of 31
WATCH FOR: Agile Joe Kelly, Aggies' leading passer and scorer
THE DOPE: The Aggies have a fairly good first team which could surprise the Border Conference. But new Coach Warren Woodson, up from Arizona, must depend on new men for depth and a defense that is untested. The Aggies have good passing and receiving, strong running backs and real speed, so expect a wide-open offense. They're rather weak in the center of the line and just fair at the ends. Quarterback Charles Johnson, a good passer, will be at the controls of the wing T, with Charles Pettes and Jim Craft at the halfback posts. Lou Kelley and Joe Kelly will replace Wally Ferguson at fullback. Joe, the only senior starter besides Guard Sam Negrea, was the Aggies' leading passer and scorer last season. Bill Locklin at 207 pounds is the biggest man on the line and a fast, aggressive tackle. Tackle Berley Pruitt and Quarterbacks Johnson and Ricardo Alba are Woodson's big sophomore hopes. The Aggies' kicking is poor, and they will be among the few teams to gamble almost exclusively on the two-point conversion. Still, the picture looks brighter at A&M.
SEPT. 13 | Trinity, N (no game) |
SEPT. 20 | New Mexico, N (7-25) |
SEPT. 26 | Mexico, N (no game) |
OCT. 4 | at North Texas Slate, N (no game) |
OCT. 11 | at Colorado Western (26-21) |
OCT. 25 | Texas Western, N (12-42) |
NOV. 1 | at Arizona Stale, N (0-21) |
NOV. 8 | McMurry (6-26) |
NOV. 22 | at West Texas State (7-35) |
NOV. 28 | at Hardin-Simmons (20-29) |
NORTH TEXAS STATE
Denton, Texas
COLORS: Green and white
BASIC OFFENSE: T and split-T
1957 RECORD: Won 5, lost 5
LETTERMEN RETURNING: 21 of 34
WATCH FOR: Galloping Halfback Abner Haynes
THE DOPE:. The Eagles, playing their first season in major college football in 1957, finished among the nation's top 20 in rushing. However, eight of the 11 starters on that team have graduated. But Coach Odus Mitchell still has the nucleus of a very powerful offense. The key to the attack is Halfback Abner Haynes, the Missouri Valley's leading rusher and the best breakaway runner since Ray Renfro graduated and went to the Cleveland Browns. Renfro's brother, John, gives the Eagles added backfield depth. A fullback in 1956, he lettered at halfback last year. The defenses won't have time to gang up on Haynes, with Vernon Cole at quarterback. Cole, who is tabbed as a powerful runner, will keep the opponents guessing with fakes, handoffs and a sharp aerial assault. Theon Thetford has displayed impressive running form and may gain a starting halfback assignment. Fullback Bill Groce presents a powerful inside threat and sprinter John Darby gives added backfield speed. The Eagles will have talented performers at least two deep in all interior line positions.
1958 SCHEDULES | (1957 scores): |
SEPT. 20 | Texas Western, N (13-14) |
SEPT. 27 | at Oklahoma Stale (19-25) |
OCT. 4 | New Mexico A&M, N (no game) |
OCT. 11 | at Drake, N (6-19) |
OCT. 18 | at Brigham Young (no game) |
OCT. 25 | Tulsa (14-12) |
NOV. 1 | Cincinnati, N (no game) |
NOV. 8 | at Wichita, N (no game) |
NOV. 15 | Houston, N (no game) |
NOV. 22 | at Louisville (no game) |
RICE INSTITUTE
Houston
COLORS: Blue and gray
BASIC OFFENSE: T
1957 RECORD: Won 7, lost 4
LETTERMEN RETURNING: 20 of 34
WATCH FOR: Buddy Dial, one of the country's top ends
THE DOPE: The Owls lose only five starters, but two of them were mainly responsible for Rice's Southwest Conference championship and subsequent trip to the Cotton Bowl. "You can't replace a quarterback combination like King Hill and Frank Ryan just like that, either," says Coach Jess Neely. He will try Larry Dueitt, who worked his sophomore season as left halfback. If Dueitt, who will have the Southwest's leading receiver in End Buddy Dial, can pass well enough, the Owls could fare well. All-conference End Dial led the league with 21 catches for 508 yards and is the key figure in a line that needs rebuilding from tackle to tackle. The presence also of Gene Jones makes Rice especially strong at ends. JC transfer Don Rather, Center Charles Pollard and Guard Gerry Gusler are main line replacements. Neely has good speed but very little depth in the backfield. Gordon Speer is an extremely fast halfback and Right Half Pat Bailey is the team's best punter. Ray Chilton is a light but hard-running fullback. Rice should enjoy another winning season.
SEPT. 20 | LSU, N (20-14) |
SEPT. 27 | at Stanford (34-7) |
OCT. 4 | Purdue, N (no game) |
OCT. 11 | at Arkansas (13-7) |
OCT. 18 | at SMU, N (27-21) |
OCT. 25 | Texas, N (14-19) |
NOV. 8 | Army (no game) |
NOV. 15 | Texas A&M (7-6) |
NOV. 22 | Texas Christian (20-0) |
NOV. 29 | at Baylor (20-0) |
SOUTHERN METHODIST
Dallas
COLORS: Blue and red
BASIC OFFENSE: Split-T
1957 RECORD: Won 4, lost 5, tied 1
LETTERMEN RETURNING: 21 of 34
WATCH FOR: Don Meredith, the South-west's most accurate passer
THE DOPE: The Mustangs return with three of the brightest stars in football and high hopes for a Southwestern Conference title. Coach Bill Meek's big gun is Quarterback Don Meredith, who surpassed the first-year passing efforts of such conference greats as Sammy Baugh, Bobby Layne and Fred Benners. The 6-foot-3 All-America prospect set a collegiate record for passing accuracy last season with 71 completions in 102 attempts, good for 912 yards and seven touchdowns. Captain Tom Koenig, all-conference guard, and Dave Sherer, the nation's leading punter, also return. But the Mustangs are not without their problems. They lack experienced ends and have shifted Sherer from No. 2 fullback to the line. The running hasn't caught up with the passing, but Backs Jim Welch, Dan Bowden and Tirey Wilemon should get good sophomore support. A leaky defense that permitted 17.5 points per game last season needs tightening up, especially with a murderous schedule that begins with Ohio State and Notre Dame.
SEPT. 27 | at Ohio State (no game) |
OCT. 4 | Notre Dame (21-54) |
OCT. 11 | at Missouri (6-7) |
OCT. 18 | Rice, N (21-27) |
OCT. 25 | Georgia Tech (0-0) |
NOV. 1 | at Texas (19-12) |
NOV. 8 | Texas A&M (6-19) |
NOV. 15 | at Arkansas (27-22) |
NOV. 22 | Baylor (14-7) |
NOV. 29 | Texas Christian (0-21) |
TEXAS
Austin, Texas
COLORS: Orange and white
BASIC OFFENSE: Split-T
1957 RECORD: Won 6, lost 4, tied 1
LETTERMEN RETURNING: 20 of 31
WATCH FOR: The ball carrying and pass receiving of George Blanch
THE DOPE: The Longhorns were one of the surprise teams of the nation last season, rebounding from a pitiful 1 9 season to a 6-3-1 success before their unfortunate demise in the Sugar Bowl against Mississippi. Most of the Southwest now concedes runner-up Texas another high place in the league, perhaps top rung, but Coach Darrell Royal is not so optimistic. His sophomore stars are a year older, but six starters are gone, including ace Quarterback Walt Fondren. Defensive whiz Maurice Doke heads an excellent corps of ends, but Royal has only one experienced guard and no experienced tackles. Guard Jim Shilling-burg has been shifted to tackle, and another ex-guard, Jerry Muennink, starts at center. Royal has good pass receiving, but Bobby Lackey, 6-foot-4, 205-pound quarterback, can hardly be expected to match Fondren's pass completion record of 65%. Running will be stronger, however, with more backfield speed provided by George Blanch, also a top receiver, Halfback Rene Ramirez and Fullback Don Allen.
SEPT. 20 | Georgia, N (26-7) |
SEPT. 26 | at Tulane, N (20-6) |
OCT. 4 | Texas Tech, N (no game) |
OCT. 11 | Oklahoma at Dallas (7-21) |
OCT. 18 | Arkansas, N (17-0) |
OCT. 25 | at Rice, N (19-14) |
NOV. 1 | SMU (12-19) |
NOV. 8 | at Baylor (7-7) |
NOV. 15 | at Texas Christian (14-2) |
NOV. 27 | Texas A&M (9-7) |
TEXAS A&M
College Station, Texas
COLORS: Maroon and white
BASIC OFFENSE: Single wing
1957 RECORD: Won 8, lost 3
LETTERMEN RETURNING: 16 of 30
WATCH FOR: Versatile Charley Milstead at the controls of the single wing
THE DOPE: The Aggies are a big question mark this season. They have suffered probably the heaviest losses in the Southwest Conference and must learn a new system. Coach Jim Myers, head coach at Iowa State in '57, succeeds Alabamy-bound Paul Bryant and brings the single wing to the Southwest for the first time since Bowden Wyatt left Arkansas in 1954. He'll find a team depleted by the loss of seven starters, including All-Americas John Crow and Charley Krueger, Quarterback Roddy Osborne and Bobby Conrad, the place-kicking hero of the All-Star Game. Myers needs a good tailback and may have one in Junior Charley Milstead, Osborne's understudy. He has a good blocking back in Dick Gay and a solid 1-2 punch at fullback with Gordon LeBoeuf and Sophomore Jon Few. Starting wingback is Randy Sims. Myers' key linemen are End John Tracey, Guard Murray Trimble and 225-pound Tackle Ken Beck. The Aggies lack speed, depth and experience and will have a tough time approximating their third-place finish of last season.
SEPT. 20 | Texas Tech at Dallas, N (21-0) |
SEPT. 27 | at Houston, N (28-6) |
OCT. 4 | Missouri, N (28-0) |
OCT. 11 | at Maryland (21-13) |
OCT. 18 | Texas Christian (7-0) |
OCT. 25 | at Baylor, N (14-0) |
NOV. 1 | Arkansas, N (7-6) |
NOV. 8 | at SMU (19-6) |
NOV. 15 | at Rice (6-7) |
NOV. 27 | at Texas (7-9) |
TEXAS CHRISTIAN
Fort Worth
COLORS: Purple and white
BASIC OFFENSE: T
1957 RECORD: Won 5, lost 4, tied 1
LETTERMEN RETURNING: 20 of 35
WATCH FOR: A well-balanced attack starring Hunter Enis and Jack Spikes
THE DOPE: The Horned Frogs, one of the biggest and fastest teams ever to be produced at TCU during Coach Abe Martin's long tenure, would surprise no one by going all the way in the Southwest Conference. The lone conqueror of Ohio State last year returns 20 lettermen and a flock of good sophomores and red shirts. The Horned Frogs were the poorest passing team in the league last year but will open up the defense with spreads and split ends. Quarterback Hunter Enis had a terrific spring practice, completing 75% of his passes. The running is solid despite the loss of Halfback Jim Shofner, the conference's leading ground-gainer, and Fullback Buddy Dike. Jack Spikes, a 200-pound junior, is a bruising fullback, and Halfback Marvin Lasater does everything well. Marshall Harris and Sophomore Larry Terrell are other good backs. Tackle Don Floyd, Center Dale Walker and Guard Ramon Armstrong are mainstays of a staunch line that helped make Texas Christian the best defensive team in the conference and seventh best in the country in 1957.
1958 SCHEDULES | (1957 scores): |
SEPT. 20 | at Kansas (13-13) |
SEPT. 27 | at Iowa (no game) |
OCT. 4 | Arkansas, N (7-20) |
OCT. 11 | Texas Tech, N (no game) |
OCT. 18 | at Texas A&M (0-7) |
NOV. 1 | Baylor (19-6) |
NOV. 8 | Marquette, N (26-7) |
NOV. 15 | Texas (2-11) |
NOV. 22 | at Rice (0-20) |
NOV. 29 | at SMU (21-0) |
TEXAS TECH
Lubbock, Texas
COLORS: Scarlet and black
BASIC OFFENSE: Split-T
1957 RECORD: Won 2, lost 8
LETTERMEN RETURNING: 22 of 30
WATCH FOR: The running of Ronnie Rice
THE DOPE: The Red Raiders will be improved this year with nine starters back, but it may not show because of a tougher schedule. Although Tech does not compete as a regular member of the Southwest Conference until 1960, Coach Dewitt Weaver plays every conference team this fall but Rice and SMU. Weaver's passing game will be improved with Quarterback Jerry Bell throwing, and his running will be good if he can induce his line to move fast enough to open holes. Captain Bell is a slow but good ball carrier. Best of the runners, however, is Halfback Ronnie Rice, Tech's No. 1 ground-gainer last year. Floyd Dellinger, last year's quarterback, will be a good passing threat from the other halfback slot. Milt Vaughan and Max Pogue are also available. Doug Duncan returns to fullback. He was Tech's top runner in '56 but was an academic casualty last season. The line will be built around E. J. Holub, a 6-foot-4, 225-pound sophomore center and the team's best linebacker, plus Gerald Seemann and Jerry Selfridge, an exbasketballer, at ends.
SEPT. 20 | Texas A&M at Dallas, N (0-21) |
SEPT. 27 | West Texas State, N (0-19) |
OCT. 4 | at Texas, N (no game) |
OCT. 11 | at Texas Christian, N (no game) |
OCT. 18 | Baylor (12-15) |
OCT. 31 | at Tulane, N (no game) |
NOV. 8 | Arizona (28-6) |
NOV. 15 | at Tulsa (0-3) |
NOV. 22 | Arkansas (26-47) |
NOV. 29 | at Houston (no game) |
TEXAS WESTERN
El Paso
COLORS: Orange and white
BASIC OFFENSE: Split-T
1957 RECORD: Won 6, lost 3
LETTERMEN RETURNING: 17 of 30
WATCH FOR: A small but speedy back-field led by Jim Bevers
THE DOPE: The Miners don't pack the punch of favored Arizona State but have perhaps a better chance than anyone else in the Border Conference of extending the champ. Coach Ben Collins has a good line with improved blocking, a good first-string backfield and a strong defense. Passing is improved with Quarterback Bob Laraba and Sophomore Howard Johnson doing the pitching. Laraba, an all-conference pick, is the team's best linebacker. The backs are small, however, and Collins will bank on speed rather than power to advance the ball. Look for plenty of flankers. Charles Bradshaw, his starting fullback, is only 160 pounds but a good runner and excellent defender. Top back is Jimmy Bevers, a tough man to stop. He was top scorer as a sophomore when the Miners won the championship in '56. Sophomore Jackie Meeks is another starting back. The mainstays of the line are Center Pool Webb and Tackles Dan Boyd and Bob Bobo. The latter weighs 237 pounds but is fast. Texas Western will be strong and, if the reserves come through, a real title contender.
SEPT. 20 | at North Texas State, N (14-13) |
SEPT. 27 | New Mexico, N (15-13) |
OCT. 4 | Abilene Christian, N (no game) |
OCT. 11 | at West Texas State, N (20-12) |
OCT. 25 | at New Mexico A&M, N (42-12) |
NOV. 1 | Hardin-Simmons, N (20-33) |
NOV. 8 | at Arizona Stats, N (7-43) |
NOV. 15 | Arizona, N (51-14) |
NOV. 22 | Trinity (Tex.), N (7-14) |
WEST TEXAS STATE
Canyon, Texas
COLORS: Maroon and white
BASIC OFFENSE: T and split-T
1957 RECORD: Won 7, lost 3
LETTERMEN RETURNING: 13 of 28
WATCH FOR: A strong offensive line led by Jerry Epps
THE DOPE: The Buffaloes have their best offensive line in years but a back-field weakened by the loss of all-conference Fullback Charlie Sanders and Halfback Ron Mills. Former Line Coach Clark Jarnagin, succeeding Frank Kimbrough as head man, is switching Bob Ratliff from halfback to Sanders' old spot. Charles Denney replaces Ratliff at right half and Don Blair succeeds Mills. Sophomores Jones Hedrick and John Hall are key reserves. Bobby Davis and Jack York again will alternate at quarterback. Their passing can be rated fair, and the pass catching is definitely improved. Guards Jerry Epps and Leon Manley rank among the best in the Southwest, although Epps may be moved to tackle. Center Carroll Stafford, Tackle Ed Meyer and End Don Snodgrass are also key defenders. Replacing graduated Tackle Jim Kauffman is younger brother Ray. The runner-up Buffaloes didn't meet Arizona State last year. They do this time—on Oct. 4—and the Border Conference championship could be decided on that day.
SEPT. 20 | Va. Tech at Roanoke, N (no game) |
SEPT. 27 | at Texas Tech, N (19-0) |
OCT. 4 | at Arizona Stale, N (no game) |
OCT. 11 | Texas Western, N (12-20) |
OCT. 18 | Trinity (Tex.), N (27-20) |
OCT. 25 | at Mississippi Southern, N (0-34) |
NOV. 1 | Arizona (21-20) |
NOV. 8 | Abilene Christian (12-2) |
NOV. 15 | at Hardin-Simmons, N (39-19) |
NOV. 22 | New Mexico A&M (35-7) |
ILLUSTRATION
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RALPH HUNSAKER STEERS ARIZONA
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KEN KERR IS STATE'S BIG LINEMAN
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DON HORTON IS IN HOGS' LIMELIGHT
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BUDDY HUMPHREY DIRECTS ATTACK
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PETE HART: COWBOYS' TOP RUSHER
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HOGAN WHARTON IS ALL-MVC TACKLE
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DON PERKINS LEADS BORDER RUSHERS
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AGGIES COUNTON JOE KELLY'S SCORING
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JOHN RENFRO BOLSTERS BACKFIELD
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RAY CHILTON IS RICE PILE DRIVER
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DON MEREDITH IS SMU AIR FORCE
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EYES OF TEXAS ARE ON MAURICE DOKE
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JOHN TRACEY IS AGGIES' KEY END
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TCU'S THREE-WAY BACK MARV LASATER
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JERRY BELL CAPTAINS RED RAIDERS
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BOB LARABA IMPROVES PASSING GAME
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GUARD JERRY EPPS IS BUFF STANDOUT